We demonstrate specific infection of small airway epithelial cells followed by a distinct antiviral and inflammatory response marked by expression and secretion of type I, II and III interferons, chemokines such as IP-10 and ITAC, and pro-inflammatory markers IL-6 and TNF-α, but only limited induction of cytokines associated with high clinical severity, such as IL-8. The gene discussed is SGCG; the disease is infection.